Zinc-responsive dermatosis is a nutritional skin disorder in dogs causing painful crusting lesions, particularly in Arctic breeds with inherited zinc absorption defects.
Dogs with zinc-responsive dermatosis experience chronic skin discomfort including itching, pain from fissured crusts, and secondary infections. The facial and periorbital crusting can impair vision and normal social signaling. Because the condition superficially resembles other skin disorders, misdiagnosis delays effective treatment. For Syndrome I dogs, understanding the genetic basis helps breeders make informed decisions, while Syndrome II is largely preventable through proper nutrition, representing a clear welfare opportunity.